MOC students earn leadership awards

MOUNT OLIVE -- Five Mount Olive College students recently received awards at the State Leadership Conference Competition of the North Carolina State Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda.

Phi Beta Lambda, operated in cooperation with the U.S. Office of Education, the American Vocational Association and the National Business Education Association, provides opportunities for students to enhance their self-confidence and leadership skills, network with business leaders and acquire job readiness skills.

Michele Knotts of Goldsboro received first place in Information Management and the International Business categories. Victoria Taylor of Castle Hayne received second place in Economic Concepts and fourth place in Accounting Principles.

Kate Somek of Sudbury, Ontario, received third place in Accounting Principles and sixth place in Hospitality Management. Crystal Guy of Clayton received fourth place in Statistical Analysis and sixth place in Sports Management and Marketing. Patrick Pittman of Pine Level received seventh place in Management Analysis and Decision Making.

MOC alumna Rebecca Whitley was also elected as the N.C. PBL Professional Division vice-president and Sonya McCoy, assistant professor of business, was recognized for 23 years as advisor as well as serving on the state awards program committee. Kathy Best received her first-year advisor certificate.

The MOC chapter was also recognized for with several honors, including its contribution to the NC PBL Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund as well as the General Fund, and received recognition for the 50th anniversary of PBL. They were presented the Terry Lowrance Leadership Award, for outstanding projects and participation in state and national activities and programs, and two second places for the largest increase and the largest percentage increase in local chapter membership in the Eastern Region of NC PBL.

Certificates of participation in the State Leadership Conference Leadership Development Program were awarded to Kate Somek, Mari Hatcher, Crystal Guy, Victoria Taylor, Patrick Pittman, and Ashley Walston.

First- and second-place winners will represent the state at the National Leadership Conference in Chicago in June.